[U.S. UNDER-17 BOYS] A class of 31 players began its second semester of its two-year cycle in U.S. Soccer's
U-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. They include nine new players, among them three players born in 1997: the highly touted Mukwelle Akale, Cameron Lindley and Tommy Redding.

The players are in preparation for the 2013 Concacaf U-17 Championship and are under the guidance of
recently named head coach Richie Williams.

The New York Red Bulls lead all clubs with six players in residency. Chivas
USA, Concorde Fire and NC Alliance have two each.

To all,
This is just a humble comment. I frankly believe that more extensive research and meticulous scouting must be done to give residency opportunities to other players. There are those who lack the financial means but have excellent talent and are never considered for the program. Or there are those who have not been selected because a lot of coaches lack the knowledge, the expertise and the avid eye to make a good judgment. The consequence will be that some United States players will be gradually emigrating to Europe and South America to join great football clubs/academies.
Sincerely,
Ricardo Velez

Kerry Ogden

commented on: January 31, 2012 at 8:39 a.m.

You said it well Ricardo, I agree 100 % with you that there are very talented kids around the country that don't get the recognition due to the fact that the financial burden to parents are too great in today's economy. I myself had to take my son out of the NY Elite Soccer progam due to cost and the separation from my wife.I also feel that the MLS should look at fielding at least 6 Americans out of the 11 man starting field to help build a better pool to select from for the US MNT. For the size of our country it's sad to say that we're light yrs. behind our competition and with the current pool to select from limits the US's chances for having a very successful team down the road. I love the game and hope that more can be done down the road for our up and coming talent nationally.

Walt Pericciuoli

commented on: January 31, 2012 at 11:06 a.m.

I believe the residency program is on its' last legs.Expect changes in the next few years, with the local academy clubs taking on the major responsibility for identifying and developing players.It will work only if they are fully funded and no players have to pay to play.

Dave Schechter

commented on: February 1, 2012 at 12:30 p.m.

One correction, of a sort. Dembakwi Yomba, listed as being with Concorde Fire Academy, to my knowledge ever played in their jersey. Dembakwi started at TYSA (Tucker Youth Soccer Association) in Atlanta and then moved to CFC-East (Cobb Football Club-East); coached in both places by former Manchester City (and elsewhere) midfielder Neil McNab and his sons, Neil and Joe. They deserve the credit.